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10 places that deserve your attention
A: One of the best traditions is when the starter announces players and their hometown just before they tee it up on No. 1. If you can get a spot near the opening tee box, experience it.

B Church Pews bunker and Oakmont -- you can't mention one without the other. Hole No. 3 is where the famous bunkers come into play down the left side of the 428-yard par 4. If given the chance, spend some time watching this hole and see the best in the world try to navigate these incredibly famous bunkers.

C No. 5 is a short par 4 where most players will elect to lay back in the fairway. That said, many will be able to take aim with a wedge on their second shot. Look for some tremendous birdie chances after deftly placed approach shots near the hole, and if you watch from here, there's a chance you could see someone hole out for an eagle 2.

D The par-3 eighth hole will be one of the toughest challenges, as it could play as long as 288 yards, the longest par 3 in event history. Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy said of No. 8, "I think everybody's been talking about that for a while, actually." Tiger Woods offered, "What ... a 900-yard par 3?"

E Without this pedestrian bridge spanning the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the U.S. Open wouldn't be here. In 1994, the previous time Oakmont played host to the event, spectator logjams ensued at the then-only bridge, which spans between No. 1 and No. 2. But in 2003, this bridge -- near the ninth tee -- was constructed using an anonymous donation and, this week, it will ease foot traffic.

F No trip to Oakmont is complete without taking a look at the huge ninth green. The back side of this gigantic putting surface is used as the practice putting area. It is one of the most unique greens anywhere in the world.

G If the USGA decides to show no mercy, a back tee can be used on the par-5 No. 12 hole to extend it to 667 yards, 25 yards longer than any other hole in U.S. Open history. By watching from this spot, the average, weekend public course golfer can get a real taste of exactly how gifted the tour pros are and how far they hit their irons.

H According to Arnold Palmer, the 15th hole is one of the greatest par 4s in golf. He bestowed that compliment on a hole that boasts a blind tee shot to a sloping fairway and a replica of the Church Pews bunker down the left side. This is a hole where you'd take par and walk to the next tee box, any day.

I Decisions, decisions, decisions -- and none will be bigger than the tee shot on No. 17, particularly when the weekend rolls around. This par 4 measures just 313 yards and is driveable, but it is a huge risk/reward venture. While many tour events are decided on the final hole, this Open could come down to 17. Watching from this spot, you could easily have a chance of seeing a two-shot swing, and a shuffle on the leader board.

J Golf, as theater, will play out in this spot alongside the 18th green Sunday. The most picturesque hole on the course, the 484-yard par 4 returns to the clubhouse. It will be the spot on Sunday evening where, from just a few feet away, you will see golf's version of a passion play unfold.

-- By Colin Dunlap

Parking
Click here to a locater map. Spectators should use the two satellite parking areas: Hartwood Acres (Red Lot) and the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills (Blue Lot). More than 165 complimentary shuttle busses will run continuously from each satellite spectator parking location from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with access to special service gates exiting and entering the Pennsylvania Turnpike to reduce travel time. These special gates will allow the shuttles to drop spectators off within 100 yards of the main admission gate after a 20-minute shuttle ride.

Tickets
The U.S. Open is sold out. This marks the 21st consecutive year the event has sold out.

Spectator guidelines
A U.S. Open ticket must be displayed at all times.

The ticket should not be attached to clothing until after it has been scanned at the admission gate.

Stay behind the gallery ropes and follow instructions of marshals at all times.

Be considerate of others. Kneel or sit if you are in the front row of the gallery.

Always walk. Running is prohibited.

Be sure to wear appropriate shoes, as attending the U.S. Open involves a substantial amount of walking.

Prohibited items
Cell phones, PDAs, cameras and/or camcorders (other than Monday through Wednesday for personal photographic use only and without their cases), bags larger than 8x8x8, cases and/or covers (such as chair or umbrella covers), TVs, radios, food, beverages, containers and coolers.

Calendar
Thursday
Gates: Open 7 a.m.
Will call: Opens 6 a.m.
First tee time: 7 a.m.
Merchandise pavillion: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TV: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., ESPN; 3-5 p.m., WPXI; 5-7 p.m., ESPN.

Friday Gates: Open 7 a.m.
Will call: Opens 6 a.m.
First tee time: 7 a.m.
Merchandise pavillion: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TV: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., ESPN; 3-5 p.m., WPXI; 5-7 p.m., ESPN.

Saturday Gates: Open 7 a.m.
Will call: Opens 6 a.m.
First tee time: TBA.
Merchandise pavillion: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TV: 12:30-7 p.m. WPXI.

Sunday Gates: Open 7 a.m.
Will call: Opens 6 a.m.
First tee time: TBA.
Merchandise pavillion: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TV: 12:30-7 p.m. WPXI.